Watermark Issue 29.10: Back in Red by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ News Source.

May 12 - 25, 2022 • Issue 29.10

Back in Red Orlando’s pool parties, circuits and events return for the first weekend of June

Equality Florida celebrates 25 years in St. Petersburg

Florida Blue invests in Central Florida LGBTQ community

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

“IRRESISTIBLE!

BALLET

A ROMANTIC FANTASY. A CONTEMPORARY FAIRY TALE.”

BALLET

PRESENTS

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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

MAY 14-15 • FERGUSON HALL BALLET

BALLET

FRI MAY 27 7:30PM JAEB THEATER

JUN 24-26 JAEB THEATER

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MAY 17-22 MORSANI HALL

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JUL 13 – AUG 7 JAEB THEATER

813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or 1047 Events, days, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. *Additional fees will apply.

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

FRIDAY, MAY 13 - MONDAY, MAY 30

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Repairs - Customs - Estates Thursday, June 2nd 2022

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

DEPARTMENTS 7 // PUBLISHER’S DESK

PAGE

8 // CENTRAL FL NEWS 11// TAMPA BAY NEWS

Now after two years in the dark, the ﬁrst Saturday in June will be back in red and ﬁlled with all the pool parties, circuits, live performances and spectacular events that we have been missing. – WATERMARK STAFF

14 // STATE NEWS 15 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 21 // TALKING POINTS 43 // EVENT PLANNER 45 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 47 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 48 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 49 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 54 // WEDDING BELLS ON THE COVER

PAGE FULLY COMMITTED:

PAGE BACK IN RED:

Orlando’s pool parties, circuits and events return in June.

WATERMARK ISSUE 29.10 // MAY 12 - 25, 2022

PHOTOS BY JEREMY WILLIAMS DESIGN BY DYLAN TODD

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

BenDeLaCreme on “Drag Race” and reconnecting with fans on tour.

FOUNDATION ASSISTANCE BACK TO WORK

THE BIG APPLE

DANCING IVY

PAGE Florida Blue to invest in the LGBTQ community of Central Florida.

PAGE

Read It Online! In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

PAGE Metro Inclusive Health to hold Inclusive Career Fair in Tampa.

New York City is ready to welcome back visitors from near and far.

Ivy and her Les Vixens are ready for Girls in Wonderland.

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

PUBLISHER’S

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

HAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE

LGBTQ? I’ve had this conversation more in the past few weeks than I have had in my whole life.

I, of course, can only speak from my own experience and perspective. Although some white, cisgender men of a certain age might like to speak for others, or tell others what to do with their bodies, I will stick to my experience and perspective. I am sure to some degree though, there is a bit of intersectionality between the experiences within the letters. There are several reasons this topic has come up. Whether it’s Florida’s HB 1557, commonly referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, conversations with the family about the sexual orientation or gender identity of younger relatives or the guy at the

WATERMARK STAFF

Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

gym who simply wants to know if a guy “who likes to have his butt played with during sex” is gay; it begs the question, what does it mean to be gay? Like many of our readers, I grew up in a time when people didn’t say gay – at least not in an affirming way. Teachers didn’t teach us about the gay heroes of history. We didn’t go home and watch TV with gay role models or see ourselves portrayed in a movie in a positive light. We weren’t taught to be gay, yet here we are, as gay as a Judy Garland/ Barbara Streisand duet. I knew I was gay even though I wasn’t told what it was. I knew I was gay because I felt it.

Something attracted me to boys even as young as kindergarten. It wasn’t sinister or sexual, I just wanted to be around a certain boy in class. By the time I was eight and nine I had full on crushes. There was a girl I dated, I believe it was the fourth grade, and by dated I mean we hung out at the baseball fields while our brothers played on the same team. I was definitely more interested in hanging out with her brother. I wanted to be close to him, to sit next to him on the car rides home. I vividly remember one car ride home where I got to sit next to him and our knees accidentally touched. My heart skipped a beat. For one second, I was in heaven. Being gay isn’t about sex. It’s about having an emotional, romantic attraction to someone of the same gender. That’s what I felt that day. I just wanted to hold his hand and hang out with him at the baseball fields. Imagine, in that Texas baseball town in 1984, at that young age, if I could have talked to someone about what I was feeling. If I could have told my parents or favorite teacher. Imagine if after that car ride home I could go home and see what I was feeling on the big screen, like with “Love, Simon,” or on TV with shows like “Heartstopper.” It would have been life changing and beautiful. Youth today don’t have to imagine. It’s there for them, we just have to let them talk to us, let them watch the shows and let them see that what they are feeling is normal and amazing. I could not understand why it was okay for nine-year-old me to pretend to date a girl at the baseball field but it was evil to actually like her brother. Why is it okay and cute for elementary school kids to write Valentine’s Day cards for the

opposite gender, but if they write a card to someone of the same gender then they are too young to make such a lifelong decision? First grade Timmy giving a Valentine to Johnny isn’t a marriage proposal with the intent to consummate the relationship any more than it is for Scottie giving a card to Suzy. Stop making it about sex. Your constant talk of kids and sex is gross and you should talk to someone about it. What many people outside the LGBTQ community seem to not know is that kids as young as kindergarten through third grade probably already know they are gay. Not saying it won’t

First grade Timmy giving a Valentine to Johnny isn’t a marriage proposal with the intent to consummate the relationship no more than it is for Scottie giving a card to Suzy.

stop it, it will just create a lot of unnecessary heartache. In this issue we say gay a lot, gay days to be specific. We give you the skinny on what your favorite organizations are doing for the return of Central Florida’s biggest gay weekend. We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

ORLANDO OFFICE Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Kyler Mills • Ext. 301 Kyler@WatermarkOnline.com

Adminstrative Assistant: Jaimie Jarlson • Ext. 100 Jaimie@WatermarkOnline.com

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Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

1300 N. Semoran Blvd. Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

TAMPA BAY OFFICE 401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CONTRIBUTORS STEVE BLANCHARD

is a former Watermark editor turned media relations coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center. He returns with his viewpoint column, Fit to Print. Page 17

DIVINE GRACE

is an Orlandobased trouble maker with a forked tongue and all the charm you can imagine. Page 19

TIFFANY RAZZANO

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 54

SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, RAYLENE HUNT, ZACHARY WELCH

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

central florida news

PALM COAST STUDENT WHO ORGANIZED ‘SAY GAY’ PROTEST TO BE HONORED Jeremy Williams

ALM COAST, FLA. | Jack Petocz, the Flagler Palm Coast High School junior who helped organize the statewide “Say Gay” student walkout in March, is being honored with the PEN/Benenson Freedom of Expression Courage Award from PEN America. Petocz promoted and planned the student protests, which happened on March 3 across Florida, through a series of social media posts using the hashtag #DSGWalkout. Petocz was later suspended indefinitely from school for handing out rainbow flags and other Pride-related items. Petocz said later, in an interview with the Daytona Beach News-Journal, that Flagler Palm Coast High School principal Greg Schwartz told him he was being suspended for being “disrespectful and openly advocating against staff.” A petition on Change.org calling for Petocz to be reinstated garnered more than 7,500 signatures. Petocz returned to school days later with the suspension being removed. “Jack Petocz has been fighting censorship in his school district over the past year, including leading students in protest against the removal of George M. Johnson’s ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue,’” wrote PEN America in a press release. “Petocz has written to Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers, imploring those in positions of power to stop policing the education and identities of LGBTQ+ students. His voice is one of many inspiring the rising generation of activists to speak out.” According to the press release, Petocz is currently a participant in PEN America’s spring 2022 Free Expression Advocacy Institute, “an innovative educational and training program designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about and take action on free expression issues in the United States and worldwide.” Petocz will receive the award during the 2022 PEN AMERICA Literary Gala being held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City May 23. Asia Kate Dillon, widely acclaimed for their performance on “Billions” as Taylor Mason — television’s first nonbinary main character — will present the PEN/Benenson Courage Award to Petocz. The evening’s event will also recognize Vladyslav Yesypenko, a Ukrainian journalist imprisoned in Russian-occupied Crimea, with the 2022 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. PEN America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting free expression in literature and advocating for human rights. In was founded in 1922 and is the largest of the more than 100 centers worldwide that make up the PEN International network. PEN America works to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to convey information and ideas, to express their views and to access the views, ideas and literatures of others.

COMMUNITY WORK: The LGBT+

Center Orlando will carry the work under the grant for Central Florida Foundation. PHOTO BY TOMAS DINIZ SANTOS

Foundation Assistance Florida Blue to invest in Central Florida LGBTQ community Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic foundation for the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, announced May 2 that it will be making a financial investment in support of mental health programs in Central Florida. The $600,000 investment will be used to directly improve access to and the quality of mental well-being throughout the area. Central Florida Foundation and the Hope Partnership will share the investment and will be used to enhance availability to mental health programs for the underserved and uninsured, including LGBTQ, minority and low-income populations. The LGBT+ Center Orlando will carry out the work under this grant for the Central Florida Foundation. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, among

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

adults in the U.S. each year, mental illness effects 47.4% of the LGBTQ community and 20.8% of people experiencing homelessness have a serious mental health condition. “The Florida Blue Foundation is focused on supporting organizations like the LGBT+ Center Orlando and Hope Partnership that are implementing innovative programs to support the mental well-being of our state’s underserved communities,” said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation, in a press release. Central Florida Foundation, as the fiscal agent for the LGBT+ Center Orlando under this grant, will offer an integrated approach to mental wellness through a collection of mental health programs serving more than 3,000 clients. Each program will be “focused on the mental health and security of the LGBTQ community and provides approaches catered to the unique needs of different

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

groups. The Center Orlando looks to create a safe environment for the mental and emotional healing, peer support and access to services for the LGBTQ community and victims of hate crimes.” Hope Partnership, a local nonprofit working to end homelessness and poverty in Central Florida, will provide improved access to mental health services in Osceola County by “offering a dedicated mental and behavioral health staff to provide individual and peer-supported group therapies to address anxiety, depression, social isolation, coping skills and trauma for community members living in hotels and motels, as well as those who are experiencing homelessness.” Hope Partnership also intends to integrate the Circles USA curriculum into their programmatic options for those seeking assistance. Circles USA gathers middle-income and high-income volunteers to support families in poverty. Participants are surrounded by a support network that better equips them for long term stability. Florida Blue Foundation has announced a total $3.8 million investment this year in 12 organizations addressing mental health needs across the state. Over the past five years, the foundation has invested more than $12.7 million in nonprofit organizations addressing mental health needs in Florida.

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tampa bay news

EQUALITY FLORIDA GALA SETS 25-YEAR RECORD Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | Equality Florida celebrated 25 years May 7, raising a record $706,926 during its St. Pete Gala. An estimated 675 people attended this year’s event, held at The Mahaffey. The evening featured an address from Executive Director Nadine Smith and more. The main presentation was hosted by Spectrum Bay News 9 personality Chuck Diaz-Henson. He began by highlighting honorary hosts before welcoming PNC Bank’s Stephanie Frye, who detailed the organization’s proud role as presenting sponsor. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch followed, delivering his first Equality Florida address as the city’s leader. “This is the first time I’ve been able to talk to you in awhile and not start the sentence with ‘I’m Ken Welch and I’m running for,’” he mused. The longtime LGBTQ ally then thanked the organization for “helping me follow our great friend, former Mayor Rick Kriseman. “But tonight it’s not about what any of us are running for, it’s what we are willing to stand up for in this nation,” Welch continued. He then denounced anti-LGBTQ and other legislation targeting minorities. “It’s up to us to stand for truth and for the ideals of freedom that this country has always aspired to – and as mayor of St. Petersburg, I am honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Equality Florida in this fight,” he said. “We are one city, one community, one voice for equality, we are St. Pete.” Voice for Equality award recipients Jennie O’Leary and Brian Longstreth were honored next. The former is an eight-year volunteer with the organization and was introduced by Equality Florida Pinellas Development Director Todd Richardson. “I’m truly honored to be recognized in this way,” she shared. “Being an ally is just looking out for each other and helping each other … giving a little kindness and love to each other is all that we need.” Longstreth – a St Pete Pride and Come OUT St. Pete co-founder – was introduced by Kriseman. He used the platform to denounce Governor Ron DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQ actions and more. “As a state, we need to do better,” he said. “Thank you all for this honor, I appreciate it very much.” Smith closed out the presentation, delivering an impassioned State of the State address. She noted that among Equality Florida’s continued fight for civil rights, the organization has filed suit against DeSantis for the state’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law. “I have hope because I am seeing all across the country, all across our state, people showing up,” Smith concluded. “It’s evident here tonight with this record-breaking crowd and fundraising. Do not cower, do not be fearful. Get angry, get organized, stay involved and wake up the people around you – because it’s time to fight back.”

View photos from this year’s gala at WatermarkOnline.com.

COMING TOGETHER:

Metro Inclusive Health’s 2019 career fair in St. Petersburg. PHOTO COURTESY METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

Doing the Work Metro to hold Inclusive Career Fair Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | Metro Inclusive Health will welcome LGBTQ-affirming employers and prospective employees to the nonprofit’s Tampa facility May 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for the return of its Inclusive Career Fair. The annual event launched in 2018 as the Metro LGBTQ+ Career Fair. While it was postponed in 2020 and held virtually in 2021 due to COVID-19, previous iterations have grown to welcome nearly 150 attendees. Its fourth outing will mark the first in Metro’s recently opened 30,000-square-foot site in Ybor City, where organizers hope to break that in-person record. Masks will be required. “In the beginning the event was held in one small room while our St. Petersburg office was under construction,” Metro Inclusive Health Division Director of Community Initiatives Nate Taylor explains. “The next year we had it in St. Petersburg’s Grand Hall and then it was held virtually. This year we’re going across the bay. “We’re really trying to make sure that we’re helping those

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

who are in the Tampa area,” he continues. “People will be able to get quality time in with our vendors and we also want them to know that with our new building and all the space that we have, they can get services through Metro there as well.” Metro will be among the vendors at this year’s fair. Also recruiting applicants will be Amazon, which has a growing presence in the area; the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, which provides “help, hope and healing to people facing serious life challenges” and financial institutions Grow Financial, GTE Financial and Raymond James. Additional vendors include Hays Recruiting Experts Worldwide, billed as the world’s leading recruitment experts; software experts KnowBe4 and SunPubs, which specializes in local restaurant and bar management. The community-focused Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA will also be in attendance. “My charge with this is making sure that we’re putting companies in that have really good diversity and inclusion practices in their places of employment,” Taylor says. To participate, they’re

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

required to provide their mission statement, detail how they support inclusion and more. Some have even completed Metro’s diversity, inclusion and equity training, which improves cultural competency for a wide range of organizations. That’s why jobseekers “can expect to deal with employers that know about and understand the people in the community that we’re in,” Taylor stresses. “They can expect to be comfortable, expect to be listened to and expect to be given a shot.” Those looking for a new career – or a change – are encouraged to register for this year’s fair in advance. They’re also urged to dress to impress and come with an updated resume. Interested employers can still reach out to Metro to learn more about participating in the fair as well. “With a number of vendors that’s a little smaller, people can really get quality time in this year,” Taylor says. “The job market is hot. So if people are seeking fulfillment and something that is going to make a bigger impact on their life and they want to make a change, the time is now.”

Metro’s fourth Inclusive Career Fair will be held May 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at their Ybor facility, located at 2105 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa. Parking will be available at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa, one block over in their grass lot. For more information and to register for this year’s event, visit MetroTampaBay.org/ Events/Career-Fair.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY”

provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

section.

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 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

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GET MORE INFORMATION

medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your

healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for

program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0085 02/22

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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state news

FLORIDA TEACHER SAYS SHE WAS FIRED AFTER DISCUSSING LGBTQ TOPICS Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

APE CORAL, FLA. | Casey Scott, a pansexual Floridian, says she was fired from Trafalgar Middle School by Lee County Florida School District officials after discussing her sexuality when answering a student’s question. In an interview with local NBC News affiliate WBBH News 2, Scott said that an art project where students created flags expressing who they are led to the controversy. It led to a discussion centered on student sexuality. She pointed out that there were flags created by students, some of whom identified as non-binary, bisexual and gay.

When asked by students about her identity she said that she told them she was married and pansexual. Scott told NBC2 that she hung the pictures on her classroom door and that’s when school administrators reacted. “They said it would be in the best interest if I got rid of them now,” she said. She told the station that first she was sent home and then later informed by officials that her contract was terminated. School District officials showed NBC 2 complaints from parents who were concerned about the conversation and the artwork. The district also released handwritten accounts from students which described they were allowed to draw any type of flag they chose even creating flags expressing who they are. The Teachers Union of Lee County’s Kevin Daly told the station that Scott could legally

be fired and he confirmed she did not belong to the teachers union. He believes the firing could be a wake-up for all teachers when it comes to discussing LGBTQ issues. “There is kind of a heightened state of where is the boundary? And what are employees supposed to do? Or allowed to do, when a topic comes up in discussion,” Daly said. The school district has had a problematic relationship with its LGBTQ+ students previously. In April of 2021, during a school board meeting as parents and students protested against a one-page flyer removed from schools that was outlining the rights of LGBTQ students, and the schools’ trans-inclusive bathroom policy, The Daily News reported. The flyer stated that “all students are allowed to access the restrooms that are consistent with their gender identity

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or be provided appropriate accommodation as requested.” As soon as the meeting started, a man who later identified himself as Ryan Monroe, stood up and started shouting, “No boys in the girls’ room.” His protest elicited applause from some in the room, but it also had him escorted out of the meeting by local law enforcement. Outside of the board meeting anti-LGBTQ+ parents and supporters of their position carried signs quoting the Bible (“Male and Female, Gen. 1:27”) or stating that the board’s “gender policy harms girls.” Member of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters — some wearing T-shirts that read “Equality” or “Protect” — held transgender and LGBTQ Pride flags. During the meeting, local resident Crystal Czyscon, whose son is trans, told board members that, “to remove

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this poster now — after it has already been put into place and while it is being used as the standard — would have a very negative impact.” Czyscon said that the anti-transgender debate is already negatively affecting her son. “He said to me, ‘You know mommy, I hope that college helps me believe in school again,’ because he’s so discouraged, he’s thinking about dropping out and playing video games.” A year later Czyscon speaking to NBC 2 expressed concern for the mental health of the Trans and nonbinary students in Scott’s classes. Czyscon believes that district officials made a mistake. “I would like to see a statement from the school board recognizing they have to have a mental health counselor come in and speak with the children impacted by their actions toward this teacher,” Czyscon concluded.

nation+world news

IN OTHER NEWS

BIDEN TAPS 1ST OPENLY LGBTQ PRESS SECRETARY Wire Report

ASHINGTON | President Joe Biden on May 5 named Karine Jean-Pierre to be the next White House press secretary, the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve in the role. Incumbent Jen Psaki was set to leave the post May 13. Jean-Pierre takes on the role as the White House faces an uphill battle to help Democrats hold onto the House and Senate in this fall’s midterm elections, and as the administration struggles to address Americans’ concerns about soaring inflation and the state of the economy. She also comes into the job as Biden faces a daunting array of foreign policy challenges, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s escalating nuclear testing program. Biden is set to visit South Korea and Japan later this month and Europe in June. Biden is also bringing back longtime Democratic strategist Anita Dunn as his senior adviser. She had served in the Biden White House last year for several months after Biden was sworn into office. “Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way

in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a statement praising Jean-Pierre, who has served as his principal deputy press secretary since Inauguration Day. Psaki praised her successor as a “partner in truth,” noting the significance of the history-making appointment. “Representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big,” Psaki said. Taking the lectern briefly while Psaki briefed the press May 5, Jean-Pierre said she was “still processing” the significance of her hire, calling it “an honor and privilege to be behind this podium.” “This is a historic moment, and it’s not lost on me,” she said. “It’s a very emotional day.” Jean-Pierre had occasionally taken the lectern in the press briefing room instead of Psaki and more frequently held off-camera “gaggles” with reporters when Biden was traveling on Air Force One. She traveled with Biden to Europe last fall and in March instead of Psaki, who had tested positive for COVID-19 before both trips. Before joining the Biden presidential campaign, Jean-Pierre

was the chief public affairs officer of the progressive group MoveOn. org and a former political analyst for NBC and MSNBC. She also worked in political affairs in the Obama White House and on his reelection campaign. The press secretary is responsible for holding daily briefings with the news media and leading a department of more than a dozen staffers who help address queries from the press. When she took the job, Psaki, who has two young children, said publicly she aimed to remain in the job for about a year. She is expected to join MSNBC later this year. Biden said Psaki “has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House briefing room.” “I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so,” Biden said. “I thank Jen for her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward.” Dunn is a partner at the Democratic consulting firm SKDK, and was a senior adviser on Biden’s 2020 campaign and previously chief strategist and communications director for President Barack Obama.

wife — into custody at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. Officials said customs inspectors found hashish oil in her luggage. Griner is among the WNBA players who play in Russia during the league’s off-season. “The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Brittney Griner,” a State Department spokesperson told the Washington Blade May 3. “The U.S. government will continue to provide appropriate consular support to Ms. Griner.” The spokesperson said Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens “will lead

the interagency team for securing Brittney Griner’s release.” Russia announced Griner’s detention shortly after it invaded Ukraine. Trevor Reed, a former U.S. Marine who had been in a Russian custody since 2019, returned to the U.S. last month after the Kremlin released him in exchange for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian citizen who had been in an American prison on drug trafficking charges. Griner is scheduled to appear in a Moscow court on May 19.

STATE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES RUSSIA ‘WRONGFULLY DETAINED’ BRITTNEY GRINER Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

he State Department has determined Russia “wrongfully detained” WNBA star Brittney Griner earlier this year. Russian authorities in February took Griner — a center for the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist who is a lesbian and married to her

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BIDEN NOMINATES OUT LESBIAN TO US DISTRICT COURT FOR DC President Joe Biden has nominated Ana Reyes, an attorney at the D.C.-based law firm Williams & Connolly LLP, for a seat on United States District Court for the District of Columbia, making her the first Hispanic woman and the first out lesbian who would ever serve on the court. Reyes was among the five picks in the latest round of judicial nominees announced by the White House April 27, which brings the total number of announced federal judicial nominees in the Biden Administration to 95. Reyes publicly identifies as a lesbian, a White House official said.

LOUISIANA LAWMAKERS REJECT ‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ BILL Louisiana’s House Bill 837, that would bar school employees from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in K-12 classrooms in the state, was killed by a Louisiana House committee May 3. The House Education Committee voted the bill down 7-4 after more than two hours of debate. The bill was opposed by Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, who said in a statement that this bill does “nothing to make lives better.”

TENNESSEE GOVERNOR SIGNS COLLEGIATE TRANSGENDER ATHLETE BAN Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed off on legislation May 6 banning transgender athletes from participating in female college sports. While Lee did not issue a comment explaining why he signed the legislation, the Republican has previously declared that allowing transgender athletes to participate in female sports would “destroy women’s sports.” The bill will go into effect July 1. Last year, no other state enacted more laws targeting transgender people than Tennessee, as GOP lawmakers consistently dismissed concerns that they discriminate against an already at-risk population.

AUSTRALIA MAN CONVICTED FOR PUSHING GAY AMERICAN OFF A CLIFF IN 1988 Scott White, a 51-year-old Australian man, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison by Justice Helen Wilson May 3 for the 1988 killing of U.S. mathematician Scott Johnson. White pushed the 27-year-old American off a Sydney cliff in what prosecutors describe as a gay hate crime. A coroner had ruled in 1989 that Johnson, who was openly gay, had taken his own life, while a second coroner in 2012 could not explain how he died. White was charged in 2020 and plead guilty in January to the murder after White’s former wife turned him in.

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viewpoint

Steve Blanchard

FIT FOR PRINT More than a catch phrase

ELEBRATING DIVERSITY

is something I do almost every day. Honestly, most of that is because at my day job, I work closely with a department that’s committed to making sure that representation of all nationalities, ethnicities, backgrounds, orientations and gender identities are celebrated, recognized and embraced.

It’s a big task, and one that is admittedly exhausting. Every month has a designated heritage associated with it – Black History Month is February, Hispanic Heritage Month is mid-September to mid-October, LGBTQ Pride month is June and May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I used to think it would be nice to live in a time and place when such months weren’t needed. If everyone would just accept everyone else, then we wouldn’t need so many different rotating months to recognize unique communities and heritages. Right? Wrong! Even if the world was a peaceful one in which people from all races, orientations and identities could agree not to hate each other just because they’re different, heritage months should still be a thing. Learning about others is what makes us well-rounded and more likely to want to meet new and interesting people. I am fortunate to work in a place that has a diverse network of team members, which in turn has helped expand my circle of friends to include a diverse cast of all colors, religions, orientations and gender identities. I learn from this diverse circle of friends and am happy to see their respective communities get the spotlight that is so deserved. When watching reading or listening to the news, it’s obvious that hate crimes are the result of misinformation and a lack of education. If you see or experience

something unfamiliar, a natural instinct (at least for many) is to see someone as “other” rather than an opportunity for growth and connection. For many who fear differences, they want to shut them down or silence others altogether. It’s frustrating and sometimes hard to understand, but I can admit that I had to do some personal growth myself. When I first moved to Florida, I had just graduated from college and despite being out about my sexuality, I still had a lot to learn about people who were anything other than white, Christian-raised and from the Midwest. I think back in horror at some of the “jokes” I would tell and remember a specific incident where I insulted a Jewish colleague of mine without even realizing I had done so. I was fortunate that he understood my lack of education and forgave me for my faux pas. He appreciated my apology and my willingness to learn more about his background, culture and religion. Did I fully understand what it means to be Jewish? No. But I can now appreciate that those cultural differences are important to that community. I didn’t become Jewish and I don’t celebrate any Jewish holidays. But when a friend is off work because of their religious beliefs, I wish them well. Really, it’s not that difficult of a practice. I don’t have the secrets to life, but I feel like this one approach – accepting those who are different and wishing them well – is one of the most basic tenets to remaining happy. If you’re doing something I don’t understand, fine. Just don’t hurt anyone in the process and we’ll get along. You don’t have to be a certain thing to accept it or be supportive. I don’t understand what it’s like to be a lesbian, but that doesn’t mean I can’t support my best friend or the happy lesbian couples I know. The

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same can be said about the transgender community. I have absolutely no idea what it feels like to be transgender. I’ve had countless conversations about this subject with people who do, however, and I appreciate them sharing their perspectives and experiences. While I can offer my

practices and beliefs. I am so tired of hearing about members of our own community trying to decide who does and doesn’t belong. We all belong and the only way we’re going to be treated as equal is if we work together and show a united front. History can’t be rewritten and

at the beginning of the gay rights movement in the 1960s and catapulted us to where we are today. Celebrating diversity should be more than just a fun phrase to put on a T-shirt. When we learn that a specific month is dedicated to a certain community, we

support and love them, I will never fully understand their journey because it’s not something I’ve experienced personally. There is strength in numbers, and however many times we have to update the acronym that represents our community, I am in full support. We are a community of different opinions, sexualities, identities, sexual

can serve as an example. Black and African American citizens got the right to vote because of their determination and because they had allies going to bat right alongside them. Same-sex marriage became reality because we had the support of a majority of straight voters, who marched alongside us. Transgender activists were front and center

should applaud them and take the opportunity to learn a little bit about what makes them unique, rather than exclude ourselves. Trust me. Celebrating will bring you more happiness than hating ever could.

There is strength in numbers … however many times we have to update the acronym that represents our community, I am in full support.

Steve Blanchard is the former editor of Watermark and currently works in public relations. He is a native of St. Louis, Mo. but has lived in Tampa Bay for two decades.

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Divine Grace

SWEET

DIVINITY Random Acts of Divineness

ELLO, DOLLS!

When last we spoke, it was the end of the last year and I had spent at least three of my annual columns barking and bitching about COVID. Now that this virus has been completely eradicated and wiped from the face of the planet Earth, we can all take our *cough* masks off and *cough* get back to focusing on *cough* what’s really important. I hope now that everybody’s guard is down, we can get back to focusing on what pisses ME off.

Hey! Remember that time that they said gay weddings would ruin the sanctity of marriage? Remember how straight people would get drunk in a casino, have a little slap-and-tickle upstairs, snort a rail and then find a 24-hour chapel and get married at four in the morning officiated by an Elvis impersonator? But somehow Adam and Steve have been sneaking around together 30 years after their college graduation and were such a big threat to the sanctity of marriage? Remember that? Huh? Amber Heard dropped a deuce on Johnny Depp’s side of the bed and they wanna talk about it to the

entire world. I mean, we’ve ALL been there before but who really wants to discuss it publicly until the kids have reached college age or are vetting assisted living facilities? Quicker than you can say “Shady Pines, Ma,” Amber Turd and Johnny Dump are airing that dirty laundry like an unbleachable brown splatter hung out on a clothesline in the front friggin’ yard. Ain’t marriage grand? Great job, heterosexuals. Lemme know when it’s cool again for your father to sell you to your rapist for five shekels as commanded by a biblical testament that is featured in at least three Abrahamic religions. #MeToo Now I’d love to tell you that I’m upset by this and am following the news like a keen reporter, but how am I supposed to deal with the earth-shattering news that gay and/or just British James Corden won’t be forcing us to listen to his weight-laboured karaoke chortle while Madonna sits shotgun? Woe is me. While writing this, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is happening. I used to like that thing, but the moment that Obama dropped the mic and Seth Meyers was licking his chops, Donald Trump was planning at least four years of revenge. Maybe we need another Prayer Breakfast? Here I am, a woman of a certain age, and I have yet to activate any of the algebraic lessons that I was assured I couldn’t operate in a functioning society without. For all of the teachers that used to warn against the possibility of NEVER having a calculator on your person at any given time, there are 20 years of smartphone users looking at porn star measurements in her classroom while covertly acing the test. Ahhh, the ‘80s! Neon shades, drum machines and the terror of Soviet Russia

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

starting a thermonuclear war and invasion while some elderly president hovers a palsied digit over that big red button. Oh, it seems like just yesterday. Or tomorrow. I see that “Stranger Things” is about to debut another season, and I love all things ‘80s. I was a child in the ‘80s, back in the 1900s, so I am totally down

for this show. I recognize themes and whatnot, but I’m most impressed by the set design as I see furniture and set pieces that immediately drag me into a pool of emotional recall. The show features former unnecessary shoplifter Winona Ryder. She used to date Johnny Depp. Winona may have been dealing with some shit in her day,

but Johnny Depp’s kids aren’t watching YouTube courtroom footage of HER popping a squat on his side of the bed. #ImJustSayin’ Amen, The Divine Grace Divine Grace is an Orlando-based troublemaker with a forked tongue and all the charm you can imagine.

THE BARBER FUND HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER

www.thebarberfund.org WE HONOR THEIR COURAGE. WE HONOR THEIR STRENGTH. WE HONOR THEIR FIGHT!

ONE LOVE!

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In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

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talking points I would rather lose a job than not be true to who I am. I’d rather not work in an industry that doesn’t accept me. It just wasn’t how I was raised. – OPENLY LGBTQ “BRIDGERTON” ACTOR GOLDA ROSHEUVEL ON BEING OUT IN HOLLYWOOD, TELLING VARIETY SHE WAS ENCOURAGED TO REMAIN CLOSETED.

1 in 4

LGBTQ teenagers

ATTEMPTED

MET GALA DAZZLES WITH ‘GILDED GLAMOUR’

SUICIDE

HE MET GALA RETURNED MAY 2, VOGUE’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER BENEFITING THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S COSTUME INSTITUTE in New York City. Regina King, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Lin-Manuel Miranda served as co-chairs for the star-studded gala, celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” the second part of a major exhibition exploring American fashion. The 2022 theme was “gilded glamour,” with high-profile looks including Kim Kardashian, who donned one of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous gowns. Janelle Monáe, who recently confirmed they are nonbinary, opted for a futuristic look created by Ralph Lauren. “This is gilded glamour from the future,” Monáe said. “I came here from the future.” The look included a glittering headpiece attached to a black and white figure-hugging gown. “It’s supporting LGBTQI plus communities through Afrofuturism,” they told Vogue at the event. The artist also teased that their look took “two minutes” to pull together.

the first

half of 2021. DOROTHY’S DRESS UP FOR GRABS

B-52S LAUNCH FAREWELL TOUR

NE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE OUTFITS IN CINEMA IS UP FOR AUCTION. Thought lost for decades, the blue-and-white checked gingham dress worn by Judy Garland’s Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” is expected to sell for up to $1.2 million. It’s being auctioned at Bonhams’ “Classic Hollywood: Film and Television” sale in Los Angeles May 24. More than one costume was made for Garland; four are known to exist and only two, including the one found, are with the blouse she wore underneath. Bonhams sold the other in 2015 for more than $1.5 million. Proceeds will create a film program in the drama department at Catholic University of America, where the dress was gifted in the 1970s.

DEBOSE TO HOST TONY AWARDS

HE QUIRKY DANCE-POP OUTFIT THE B-52S ARE HITTING THE ROAD ONE LAST TIME for a final tour this summer that will roam from coast to coast. “No one likes to throw a party more than we do, but after almost a half-century on the road, it’s time for one last blow-out,” Fred Schneider, openly LGBTQ co-founder and singer for the band, said in a statement. Their North American farewell tour will visit 10 cities across the U.S., kicking off Aug. 22 in Seattle and ending Nov. 11 in Atlanta. Stops include Boston, Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The Tubes or KC & The Sunshine Band will also feature. Learn more and purchase tickets at TheB52s.com.

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EW ACADEMY AWARD WINNER AND TONY AWARD NOMINEE ARIANA DEBOSE will host this year’s Tony Awards. The “West Side Story’’ star, who earlier this year became the first openly LGBTQ actor to win an Oscar for her role, will lead the presentation June 12 at New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall live on CBS and on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. EST. An hour-long pre-show will stream on Paramount+. “After the challenging last two years, there is no one better to bring the theater community together on this important night honoring the best of Broadway and share the joys of live performing once again than this extraordinarily talented artist,’’ CBS Executive Vice President Jack Sussman said.

48.6% OF

LGBTQ

teenagers

CONSIDERED IT. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences

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Survey, April 2022

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

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TRAVEL

New York City is ready to dazzle visitors again PHOTO BY BFA MADISON VOELKEL

Heather Cassell

EW YORK CITY FELT LIKE IT WAS

almost its bustling self again as I walked through the streets enjoying the warm spring weather during a recent trip.

The city, like many others, is forever changed after more than two years of the COVID pandemic, but in true New York fashion, the Big Apple is coming back. It was my second trip within six months after about a two-and-a-half-year break. New Yorkers rolled up their sleeves (more than 80% are vaccinated), masked up and have done pretty much everything

they can to get their groove back. However, COVID subvariants continue to emerge in the ongoing pandemic. Some venues are still enforcing proof of vaccination and masks. Face coverings are still required on all public transportation until further notice and in Broadway theaters at least until May 31.

Recently, COVID cases have been on the rise in New York due to the new highly contagious Omicron subvariant, BA.2.12.1. People planning to visit should check the city’s visitor site, under Basic Information, at VisitNewYork.com for the latest. Some Broadway shows have canceled performances due to COVID. Other shows are taking place. New restaurants are opening, and reservations are harder to get than ever before. New museum exhibits are opening. Big events are coming back like New York Pride, which returns in-person June 26 with the theme “Unapologetically Us.”

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“Our community has been through tremendous hardships over the past few years, beginning with the pandemic, and continuing with a reckoning with social justice, threats to our democracy and more recently armed conflict overseas,” stated NYC Pride’s new executive director, Sandra Perez, in a March 25 news release. “Compounding these struggles is the onslaught of legislation around the country that directly targets LGBTQIA+ individuals. “In spite of these challenges and attacks, we are here to tell the country and the world: we will not be erased,” Perez continued, stating that the community will stand

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together to face the attacks on the LGBTQ community across the country and around the world. “We will continue to love and live our truth and be our full and complete selves – and we are not going to apologize for it.” NYC Pride board co-chair Sue Doster noted the importance of the annual celebration that attracts upward of two million people from across the United States and all over the world. “We’re thrilled to be able to finally invite everyone back,” she stated. CONTINUED ON PG. 25 | uu |

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| uu | The Big Apple FROM PG.23

Tourism officials said the city is rebounding. “The city is as vibrant as ever,” said Chris Heywood, a gay man who’s executive vice president of global communication of NYC & Company, New York City’s destination marketing and convention and visitor’s bureau. The pandemic did not completely stop New York from retrofitting, innovating and building new hotels, spectacular sites and opening new restaurants. “That’s the beauty about New York,” Heywood continued. “Resilience is really our middle name. People are going to encounter a city that is continuing to come back.”

NEW ATTRACTIONS

ome of the new things to see in New York are Summit One Vanderbilt, the Moynihan Train Hall and Little Island, the latest park near the Chelsea Piers. The city’s newest vantage point is at Summit One Vanderbilt. The Summit is a 65,000 square foot space at the top of the 93-story office and residential building at One Vanderbilt adjacent to Grand Central Station. The observatory deck opened in October 2021. It is much more than the highest view (for the moment) of New York City; it’s an experience with a view. Each room is an art installation accentuating the feeling of being high in the sky or in the clouds. At the very top are Apres and the Summit Terrace, where my girlfriend and I enjoyed a cocktail while admiring New York’s sparkling skyline under the night sky. Tickets to catch the sunset view cost about an extra $16. The Summit does not itemize what the extra amount is at checkout, but it’s for experiencing the Summit at the golden hour, the optimal time of day. It wouldn’t be New York City without the many opportunities to see art. This spring and summer visitors can catch the 80th edition of the Whitney Museum of American Art’s “Biennial 2022: Quiet As It’s Kept,” which opened April 6. The two-floor exhibit brings together a survey of 63 American artists exploring the darkness and disruption of 2020. The title is a colloquial phrase taken from the late novelist

THE CITY NEVER SLEEPS: From its nightlife to its food to its Pride, New York City is one of the most vibrant and

visited cities in the world and is a melting pot of diversity and inclusion. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION

Toni Morrison. The show runs through Sept. 5. Henri Mattise lovers can take in a rare exhibit of the French artist’s early works that formed modern art at the Museum of Modern Art exhibition “Mattise: The Red Studio,” which opened May 1. The show runs through Sept. 10. The Brooklyn Museum is featuring “Andy Warhol: Revelation,” showing now through June 19. Brooklyn Academy of Music

DINING AND DRINKING

ood draws my girlfriend and I to New York just as much as Broadway’s musicals. For this trip, I sought out restaurants that were old favorites that survived the pandemic, some that were reborn, and others that were new. During the day we lunched at the fun, cheeky and very gay diner Cafeteria; a Chelsea neighborhood staple, Elmo; and famed chef

usual turf, French and Italian cuisine, exploring and modernizing American Shaker dishes that hit the mark. Lesbian executive chef Hillary Sterling crafted a distinctive Italian menu at Ci Siamo, restaurateur Danny Meyer’s latest culinary venture. Lesbian executive chef Mary Attea at the Michelin-rated The Musket Room serves a revisioned world on your plate. There was no doubt that I wouldn’t enjoy chef and restaurateur Mark

In spite of these challenges and attacks, we are here to tell the country and the world: we will not be erased. We will continue to love and live our truth and be our full and complete selves – and we are not going to apologize for it. — SANDRA PEREZ, NYC PRIDE’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR is featuring the DanceAfrica Festival, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary through the end of this month. I rarely leave New York without seeing at least one show on Broadway. Right now, it’s all about the classics and some new musicals (“Wicked,” “Chicago” and “Funny Girl”) and plays (“Plaza Suite” and “To Kill A Mockingbird”).

and restaurateur David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar. At night we hit the town enjoying dishes crafted by some of New York’s finest lesbian chefs. Chef and restaurateur duo Rita Sodi and Jody Williams’ beloved Via Carota lived up to the hype. You can’t go wrong with pasta, but this is exceptional pasta. I also dined at the culinary couple’s newest venture The Commerce Inn. It veers away from the chefs’

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Strausman’s new restaurant Mark’s Off Madison which has a warm atmosphere and incredible, flavorful comfort food. Two unique restaurants that might signal a shift in the queer culinary scene in New York are Tagmo and Hags. Both restaurants are queer-owned and -operated. They actively hire LGBTQ staff and are deeply involved in the community.

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Queer chef Surbhi Sahni is the heart behind Tagmo, an Indian restaurant that opened in Seaport, a small shopping and dining center near One World Trade Center, in September 2021. Tagmo is not your average Indian restaurant. Dining there is a gastronomic adventure through India with all its diverse cuisines. The much-anticipated Hags is targeted to open just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, May 25. The Lower Eastside restaurant aims to be the first upscale queer restaurant, according to business and life partners Telly Justice, a transgender woman, and Camille Lindsley, a queer woman. New York’s nightlife isn’t quite what it used to be like yet. My girlfriend and I enjoyed early nightcaps at Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs in Tribeca, the historic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, and Bar Veloce in Chelsea. Village lesbian bar mainstays – Henrietta Hudson and Cubbyhole – and Brooklyn’s Ginger’s Bar got makeovers during the pandemic and recently reopened. Catch roving lesbian events hosted by Dyke Beer and Dave’s Lesbian Bar on their websites or follow them on social media. The boys are back in action from Midtown to Harlem with bars and nightclubs for every stripe in the rainbow flag. Check out Midtown’s swanky The Townhouse of New York. Head to the West Village’s Playhouse or get nostalgic at New York’s oldest gay bar Julius’ and the historic Stonewall Inn. Head uptown to Harlem for the last remaining Black-owned gay bar Alibi Lounge.

WHERE TO STAY

y girlfriend and I stayed at the Smyth Tribeca. The newly renovated modern 100-room hotel opened in September 2021. The hotel is comfortable, chic and perfectly located on the corner of Chambers Street and West Broadway above the Westside’s 1 line. The subway line is a direct vein to Broadway, the Village and many of New York’s most popular destinations.

GETTING AROUND

ew York’s metro is going touchless with Omny, an app that allows riders to tag on and off the subway and buses with their smartphones and other smart devices. Riders can choose to use the Metro Card or the app to get around the city.

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Back in Red Orlando’s pool parties, circuits and events return for the first weekend of June

Jeremy Williams

S 2020 BEGAN, COVID-19 WASN’T MUCH OF

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

a concern for most people in the U.S. At the start of the year it was a virus from the other side of the world that had not yet shown us what it could do. For several groups — namely GayDayS, One Magical Weekend, Tidal Wave Party and Girls in Wonderland — the start of the year was one of planning for a huge celebration coming the first weekend in June, the 30th anniversary of Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. By March, the pandemic had spread to nearly every part of the world with businesses closing up and events being postponed as we all waited to see what

would happen next. A few weeks after the closures, the June event organizers began to postpone. First Tidal Wave Party, in the last days of March, posted a notice on its website announcing that they were canceling the 2020 events and moving them to 2021. One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland followed. GayDayS announced that it would be moving its party to October with a Halloween

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tie-in but eventually they also canceled until June 2021. As we moved into 2021, promotors were optimistic that with vaccines, the June celebrations would be able to take place but COVID variants and rising cases kept our red shirts put away as June came and went and events were moved to 2022. Now after two years in the dark, the first Saturday in June will be back in red and filled with all the pool parties, circuits, live performances and spectacular events that we have been missing. In the following pages you will find a breakdown of events, days, times and information so you can get the most out of your big June weekend. Along with events for GayDayS, One Magical Weekend, Tidal Wave Party and Girls in Wonderland, this will also be KindRED Pride’s inaugural year for

The Pride Cup, an LGBTQ multi-sports competition happening over three days throughout Central Florida, and we have included information so you can fold some of those events into your planning as well. And if you choose to include the theme parks into your celebration, there are select parks that are recommended as Red Shirt Days for each day: Thursday, June 2, will be Animal Kingdom and SeaWorld; Friday, June 3, will be Hollywood Studios and Islands of Adventure; Saturday, June 4 will be Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios; and Sunday, June 5 will be Epcot and Discovery Cove. All event and ticket information are subject to change. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit each organization’s website.

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CONTINUED ON PG. 31| uu |

BEPrEPARED 28

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LGBTQ+ Premier Medical Care

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GayDays

Saturday, June 4

Avanti Palms Resort Orlando

Puppy Mosh

Thursday, June 2

2-4 P.M. AVANTI RESORT’S PELICAN ROOM

Daytime Pool Party

Join the other puppies in an indoor puppy mosh, presented by The Florida Puppy Contest, as they romp, wrestle and play. Hosted by Daddy Flash, this event is for 18 and up only.

11 A.M.-4 P.M.: DJ JOHN STUURM

$10

Evening Pool Party

Porn Bingo

PHOTO BY EZRI RUIZ

5-6:30 P.M. AVANTI PALMS CITRUS ROOM B/C

AYDAYS MAKES ITS RETURN TO THE

first weekend in June for the first time since 2018, taking over the Avanti Palms Resort, located at 6515 International Dr., as its host hotel May 31-June 6. The resort is within walking distance of some of Orlando’s best restaurants and attractions and a short Uber or Lyft ride away from all of the theme parks.

GayDayS returns with its popular Expo, both the main one and the adult 18+ version, and will feature more than 100 vendor booths, giveaways and free raffle prizes. The expos run Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Avanti Resort Ballrooms. You will also be able to find some outdoor vendors around the Avanti Palms pool from 12-9 p.m. Make sure to stop by the GayDayS Welcome & Information Booth and pick up your FREE Official GayDayS 2022 Welcome Bag! While you’re there, their team of ambassadors can eagerly to assist you in answering any questions you may have. Below we have information on GayDayS’ events. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit GayDayS.com.

Taste of GayDayS

6-9 P.M. AVANTI PALMS CITRUS ROOM B/C

Hosted by Chantel Reshae, Taste of GayDayS brings together dozens of local restaurants to give you a sampling of some of Central Florida’s most tasty offerings. Coupled with amazing libations and live entertainment, this is one of GayDayS most delicious events. $40 in advance $50 at event

Friday, June 3

Drag Queen Bingo Family friendly Drag Bingo hosted by Addison Taylor. It’s all the fun of bingo mixed with all of the fun of a drag show.

EVENTS:

$20 in advance

Thursday, June 2

Boots, Bears & Beers Social

$30 at event

Bearonce’s Honey Pot Pool Games 1-5 P.M. AVANTI PALMS POOL

9-11 P.M. AVANTI PALMS CITRUS ROOM B/C

Just as the title suggests, enjoy some fun in the sun and a few pool games with drag queen sensation Bearonce. This event occurs each day, Thursday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. poolside.

Enjoy some free beer and tailgate games with host Daddy Flash as you meet your Mr. GayDayS Leather competitors. Donations at the door to benefit the Leather Archives & Museum. This event is sponsored by Crew Health and is 21 and up only.

Free event for pool guests

This is a free event

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4-5 P.M.: DJ LU-S $25 in advance $35 at event

5-9 P.M.: DJ LU-S 9 P.M.-2 A.M.: DJ STEVE SIDEWALK $35 in advance

Join Addison Taylor for this adult only Bingo game sure to feature a few very adult prizes. This event is 21 and up only. $20 in advance $30 at event

Miss GayDayS Pageant Performances and Crowning 6-10 P.M. AVANTI PALMS POOL The Miss GayDayS pageant will actually take place throughout the entire weekend with different categories during GayDayS events. See the contestants make their first appearance during Taste of GayDayS where they will compete in the interview portion. You will also seen them at the main expo on Friday for the spokesperson portion of the pageant as each contestant will take turns hosting to see how they mingle with the crowd. Then it all culminates poolside on Saturday for their performances and the crowning, hosted by Chantel Reshae. This is a free event.

6-7:30 P.M. LOBBY BAR

POOL PARTIES

Sunday, June 5

Mr. Gay Days Leather Competition Finale 5-7 P.M. AVANTI PALMS CITRUS ROOM B/C Just like the Miss GayDayS pageant, Mr. Gay Days Leather will take place throughout the entire weekend with the final competition, hosted by Daddy Flash, happening Sunday evening. TBD

$45 at event

Friday, June 3

Daytime Pool Party 11 A.M.-4 P.M.: DJ MIKE SKLARZ 4-5 P.M.: DJ CHRIS ADAMS $25 in advance $35 at event

Evening Pool Party 5-9 P.M.: DJ CHRIS ADAMS 9 P.M.-2 A.M.: DJ LU-S $35 in advance $45 at event

Saturday, June 4

Daytime Pool Party 11 A.M.-4 P.M.: DJ CHRIS ADAMS 4-5 P.M.: DJ ARACELY $25 in advance $35 at event

Evening Pool Party 5-9 P.M.: DJ ARACELY 9 P.M.-2 A.M.: DJ RANDY BETTIS $35 in advance $45 at event

Sunday, June 5

Daytime Pool Party 11 A.M.-4 P.M.: DJ MIKE SKLARZ 4-5 P.M.: RANDY BETTIS $25 in advance $35 at event

Evening Pool Party

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5-9 P.M.: DJ RANDY BETTIS 9 P.M.-2 A.M.: DJ ARACELY $35 in advance $45 at event

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One Magical Weekend THERAPY POOL PARTIES Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

Friday, June 3

Pride Kickoﬀ Pool Party 12-7 P.M.: DJ JOE ROSS/ DJ EDIL HERNANDEZ $30 in advance $35 at event

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

NE MAGICAL WEEKEND IS BRINGING ITS

Red Shirt Pride Days to the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, located at 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., as its host hotel. The resort features a pair of resort-style pools, two restaurants and a bar & grill, spa treatments, a 24-hour fitness center and more. It is located within walking distance of Disney Springs, but you won’t have to get your steps in as they offer daily shuttles to Disney’s park transportation center and Disney Springs. One Magical Weekend will host its Gay Biz Expo, featuring dozens of vendors, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sheraton Resort. Also, don’t forget to sign up as a OMW Rewards member. It takes two minutes to go to the website and sign up. You’ll be given a personal link and there’s no cost and there is no obligation after that. When you tell your friends about OMW, if they use your link to purchase any tickets, you earn points that you’ll be able to redeem for prizes. Below you’ll find information on One Magical Weekend’s events. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit OneMagicalWeekend.com.

EVENTS:

Wednesday, June 1

One Magical Weekend Kick Oﬀ Party TBD MANGO’S TROPICAL CAFÉ One Magical Weekend kicks off Red Shirt Pride Days with Mango’s Drag Me Out Wednesday. The event will feature a drag show, One Magical Weekend event ticket giveaways and more. A part of the proceeds will be donated to the KindRED Pride Foundation.

Friday, June 3

RIPTIDE

8 P.M.-2 A.M. DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON One Magical Weekend’s signature event returns! For one night, you and thousands of your closest friends will have access to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon waterpark. Imagine 6,000 party animals clad in little more than a bathing suit dancing all night long while DJs Edgar and Oscar Velazquez keep the music flowing all night as you celebrate, swim and meet people from all around the world. The 52-acre waterpark features wave pools, water slides and more, including two of the park’s most popular rides. Board Miss Adventure Falls treasure raft and hit the high seas for crazy fun during the longest ride in the history of the Disney water parks. Also, this year the Crush “n” Gusher water-coaster will remain open all night. RIPTIDE will also feature the Bear Lagoon, hosted by Tidal Wave Party, with tunes provided by DJ Barry Huffine. You’ll also see the return of Bliss Beach, presented by Bliss Health and featuring a performance by Trinity The Tuck. This is an 18 and up event. $100

Saturday, June 4

RED Vol V: Varsity 8 P.M.-1 A.M. HOUSE OF BLUES ORLANDO One Magical Weekend is back with volume five of its RED circuit party at Disney Springs’ House of Blues. This year, in honor of the inaugural Pride Cup, it is themed Varsity. That means along with wearing red, you are encouraged to get out those jerseys and pom poms and show some school spirit. Music will be provided by DJ Paulo and their will be two unbelievable performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 14 finalist Bosco, presented by 26Health. Step your game up with the VIP experience featuring open bars and special seating. You can also add on a meet-and greet with Bosco for $25. This is an 18 and up event. General admission $80

Saturday, June 4

Pep Rally Pool Party (Wear Red) 12-7 P.M.: DJ CINDEL/DJ SINNA-G $30 in advance $35 at event

Sunday, June 5

Say Gay Sunday! Pool Party 12-7 p.m.: DJ Deanne/DJ Scott Robert $30 in advance $35 at event

CADABRA AFTER HOURS PARTIES Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

VIP $170

Friday late night, June 3

Sunday, June 5

Fantasy

WIG Party

2-8 A.M.: DJ NINA FLOWERS/DJ OBRA PRIMITIVA

9 P.M.-1 A.M. SHERATON LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT

$75 at event

Make sure your hair is styled for the return of the WIG Party for One Magical Weekend’s closing Sunday T-Dance. You’ll be able to whip your hair back and forth to the music of international DJ and producer Twisted Dee while you see what kind of hairy situations you can get yourself into. Don’t miss out on the live entertainment as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni Angeria Paris VanMichaels, presented by 26Health, Trinity The Tuck and Phoenix, both presented by Bliss Health, take the stage to start snatching your wigs. Don’t miss out on your chance for a meet-and-greet with Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Trinity The Tuck and Phoenix for an additional $25 each. This is an 18 and up event only.

$69 in advance

Saturday late night, June 4

Locker Room 2-8 A.M.: DJ ABEL RESIST $69 in advance $75 at event

Sunday late night, June 5

Daddy 2-8 A.M.: DJ ALEX RAMOS/DJ BIO ZOUNDS $69 in advance $75 at event

$50

TBD

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KindRED Pride Foundation

INDRED PRIDE FOUNDATION IS A NONPROFIT

organization formed by One Magical Weekend owners Tom Christ and Billy Looper to help keep the spirit of the first Saturday in June as Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom alive, encouraging one million people around the world to wear red on that day. You can read event information below. For more information, visit KindRedPride.org.

EVENTS:

Thursday June 2

Diversity in Sports Summit 5:30-8:30 P.M. SHERATON LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT

star Haley Videckis, semi-pro basketball player Sheri Johnson and world champion ballroom dancers Pam Bolling and Sergei Aliev. The event will include a dinner with live entertainment. $100 for single tickets VIP tables available (seats 8)

The Pride Cup VARIOUS TIMES AND LOCATIONS

Nine professional and collegiate LGBTQ athletes will participate in a panel discussion telling their stories with an emphasis on how we can make it easier for today’s LGBTQ youth. Hosted by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hogshead, the panel will feature Former NFL player Ryan O’Callaghan, tennis pro Bobby Blair,

This year, KindRED Pride is launching its first ever Pride Cup, a multi-sport LGBTQ competition taking place during Red Shirt Pride Days. This year the Pride Cup will feature nine sports that will happen at various locations in Orlando during the weekend. The sports for this year will be:

USTA Diversity & Inclusion Director Andrea Snead, former NCAA college football player at East Carolina University Gina Duncan, professional tennis and pickleball player Greg DeMoustes, WNBA

-4v4 Co-ed Beach Volleyball will be a two-day tournament played Saturday and Sunday at the Dr. Phillips Community Park.

Tidal Wave Party

IDAL WAVE PARTY IS BACK WITH ITS 14TH INCLUSIVE

event for bears, cubs, chubs and chasers. The theme is “Jocks, Jerseys & Bears” and the host hotel is The B Resort & Spa. The resort features a 5,000 square foot courtyard with games, as well as a restaurant and bar on site.

Tidal Wave Party will have a vendor fair in the B Resort Ballrooms Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tidal Wave will also host a pool event at RIPTIDE. Below you’ll find information on Tidal Wave Party events. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit TidalWaveParty.com.

EVENTS:

Tidal Wave Dance 9 P.M.-2 A.M. B RESORT COURTYARD

Friday, June 3

Relax Max Pool Party 11 A.M.-2 P.M. B RESORT POOL

Thursday, June 2

Dirty Bingo

Opening Ceremony

3:30-5:30 P.M. TBD

1:30-2 P.M. B RESORT POOL

Bearaoke Expression

-The Celebrity Golf Tournament and Fundraiser will be teams of four for 18 rounds with no handicap on Friday at Disney’s Palm Golf Course. Tee time is at 8 a.m. Entrance fee is $150 for individual and $600 for a full team. -Kickball will a two-day recreational tournament played Saturday and Sunday at the Dr. Phillips Community Park. -Pickleball will be played over two days with Men’s and Women’s Doubles on Saturday and Mixed Doubles on Sunday at the USTA National Campus. The tournament will have three age divisions. -Tennis will be a two-day Doubles only tournament presented by Orange Blossom Tennis Association and sponsored by USTA. The matches will be on hardcourts, it will be a round robin with two out of three sets and will be played at the USTA National Campus. -Women’s Flag Football will be a two-day 7x7 tournament played Saturday and Sunday at Lake Buena Vista High School. Teams play round robin on Friday to determine brackets. Playoffs are Saturday with finals and awards on Sunday. All teams are guaranteed to play four games. -OnePULSE Foundation’s sixth annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run will be a part of The Pride Cup. In memory of the 49 lives lost at Pulse, the CommUNITY Rainbow Run is a 4.9K Walk/Run that takes place at Wadeview Park or you can participate virtually and walk/run from anywhere in the world. -This year’s Pride Cup will also feature Cheer competition. More information to be released on that in the coming weeks. For more information on The Pride Cup, you can go to KindRedPride.org/Pride-Cup.

Saturday, June 4

Relax Max Pool Party 11 A.M.-2 P.M. B RESORT POOL

Bearaoke 8-11 P.M. TBD

TW 14 Cabaret 8-10 P.M. GRAND BALLROOM Tidal Wave Party 14’s Cabaret headliner will be “America’s Got Talent” season 10 performer Delighted Tobehere.

Tidal Wave Dance 9 P.M.-2 A.M. B RESORT COURTYARD

Sunday, June 5

Church in Session Pool Party

Bearaoke

Tea Dance 3-7 P.M. B RESORT COURTYARD

-Cornhole will be recreational only for 2022, played Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Dr. Phillips Community Park.

8-11 P.M. TBD

Tidal Wave Dance

8-11 P.M. TBD

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9 P.M.-2 A.M. B RESORT COURTYARD

11 A.M.-2 P.M. B RESORT POOL

Closing Tidal Wave Dance 7 P.M.-1 A.M. B RESORT COURTYARD

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Girls in Wonderland RESORT’S LOBBY BAR Pre-game for the big night ahead at the host hotel’s Lobby Bar with specialty cocktails. This event is free to GiW hotel guests

Out For Laughs Comedy Show

POOL PARTIES

7:30-9:30 P.M. GRAND ORLANDO RESORT AT CELEBRATION

Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration

Friday, June 3

Settle in for some laughs before you hit the Friday night parties with one of the funniest lesbian comics working today, Emma Willmann. Willmann is an American stand-up comedian and actress who made her televised stand up debut on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” You may also recognize her as “Beth” on The CW series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

Wet Pool Party 12-5 P.M.: DJ DLUX/DJ CITIZEN JANE $25 IN ADVANCE $30 AT EVENT

Saturday, June 4

Splash Pool Party 11 A.M.-5 P.M.: DJ TATIANA/DJ PAT PAT $35 IN ADVANCE $40 AT EVENT

Sunday, June 5

Sunday Funday! Pool Party 12-5 P.M.: DJ PAT PAT/DJ DLUX/ DJ ZEHNOD/LADY SNACK DADDY $30 IN ADVANCE $35 AT EVENT

AFTER HOURS PARTIES Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration

Saturday, June 4

Afterglow 2-5 A.M.: DJ NELA $20 IN ADVANCE $25 AT EVENT

Sunday, June 5

Girl – The Afterparty 2-5 A.M.: DJ DLUX/DJ ZEHNO $20 IN ADVANCE $25 AT EVENT

Last Chance Party 10 P.M.-2 A.M.: DJ ZEHNO/DJ LADY SNACK DADDY $12 IN ADVANCE $15 AT EVENT

PHOTO BY LAYLA FERRIS

IRLS IN WONDERLAND IS THE LARGEST

women’s group that holds events during Orlando’s big red weekend and is one of the longest running events for the first weekend in June. Started by Amy Alonso, Alison Burgos and Yesenia Leon of Pandora Events, Girls in Wonderland offers up a series of events for the women of the community. Pandora Events was the only group to hold its events last year when it hosted Girls in Wonderland in October around National Coming Out Day. The Girls are back again at the Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration just minutes from Disney. The resort features two outdoor pools and hot tubs, a poolside bar, a lobby bar, restaurants on site and more. Below you’ll find information on Girls in Wonderland’s events. Prices are subject to change and all events are 21 and up. For more information, visit GirlsInWonderland.com.

EVENTS:

Thursday, June 2

Bud Light Welcomes You To Happy Hour 6-8 P.M. GRAND ORLANDO RESORT AT CELEBRATION

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Mix, mingle and make new friends, either for the weekend or for life, at the Girls in Wonderland welcome mixer. The event features live entertainment and free Bud Light on draft until it runs out. This event is free to GiW hotel guests

Traﬃc Jam

Opening for Willmann is Orlando’s own Lee Cohen. Cohen, who uses they/them pronouns, is an award-winning stand-up comedian who has performed across the east coast. They were a finalist in the New Faces of Comedy Competition, headlined at the 2nd Annual Flagler Pride Festival and are rising star on Tik Tok. Also performing will be stand up comedian and host of “Comedians in Drag Doing Comedy” Anna Lepeley. $25 in advance $30 at event

Climax 9 P.M.-2 A.M. CUBA LIBRE AT POINTE ORLANDO Girls in Wonderland brings the Latin vibe to its Friday night party, Climax, at Cuba Libre. DJ Pat Pat will be playing salsa, merengue and reggaeton hits on the Latin Patio and DJ Citizen Jane and DJ Tatiana can be found on the main floor spinning Top 40 and house beats. Go-go girls galore will be in attendance thanks to Les Vixens and make sure to stay for the live performance from Nohemy. $25 in advance

9:30 P.M.-2 A.M. TBA Girls in Wonderland’s opening night party is a Traffic Jam. Take a colored bracelet coordinated to your availability — red means your taken, yellow means approach with caution and green means go for it. Music provided by DJ Nela, go-go girls from Les Vixens and live performances to be announced. $15 in advance

Friday, June 3

L-Lounge Happy Hour

$30 at event

Saturday, June 4

GiW Signature Event 10 P.M.-2 A.M. TBA Not a lot is known about Girls in Wonderland’s Signature Event but if it is like year’s past, you can expect amazing live performances and lots of eye candy with Les Vixen’s go-go girls. Music will be provided by DJ Zehno and DJ Citizen Jane.

6-8 P.M. GRAND ORLANDO

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$25 in advance

BURLESQUE

Dancing Ivy

Ivy and her Les Vixens are ready for Girls in Wonderland I was raised by a wild pack of drag queens so a lot of my influences are drag, so for me drag and burlesque go hand in hand. There is a strip element, a tease element. But it’s mainly performance art. ARE ALL THE VIXENS LOCAL TO CENTRAL FLORIDA?

We are Central Florida based but performers that want to be Vixens come from all over. We’ve had Vixens in Georgia up to New York, all over. HOW HAS VIXEN’S BURLESQUE CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED IT?

(ABOVE)

LET’S DANCE:

Ivy (center) and her Vixens are the largest all-queer burlesque troupe in the U.S. PHOTO COURTESY LES VIXENS

Jeremy Williams

HEN IVY STARTED DANCING SHE

never envisioned that she would be leading one of the biggest and most respected burlesque troupes around.

“When I first came out and started to perform, I thought I might go-go dance once a month somewhere at a gay bar and it within six months of me starting it turned into me on the road doing shows in five different cities every month,” she says. “My career just took off, and it was all very surprising. It took me a very long time to wrap my head around it and to see it was what it was.” Ivy started her own burlesque troupe, the Les Vixens. It is now the largest all-queer burlesque troupe in the country performing at dozens of events and shows per month. Ivy also heads Girl The Party, the largest, longest running queer women’s weekly event in the U.S., at Southern Nights Orlando every Saturday for the last seven years.

The 16-member troupe has been featured in Forbes magazine, has been voted Best Burlesque Troupe several times and are the resident entertainment for the annual Girls in Wonderland event. We spoke with Ivy ahead of the Girls in Wonderland event about burlesque, parties and representation. WATERMARK: WHAT IS BURLESQUE?

Ivy: Burlesque is the art of the tease. It’s found in a lot of different modalities. It started off as satirical theater so I would describe it as sexy theater. A lot of our shows are that. They are very themed, for each person on stage it is there moment, it’s a vignette of theater but it’s sexy, and it is empowered, and it is artistry.

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The style of costumes has elevated. There are better standards now with costume making, we don’t use hot glue anymore [laughs]. Our stuff has become more elaborate and polished. We walk the line between a pop star look with the bigger costumes, feathered headpieces, lots of rhinestones and crystals, if we can afford it. It’s also changed in that more people know about us which has given us more opportunities, more people want us. We perform at special events, we just opened the Fashion & Hope charity show for Make-A-Wish, I performed at Pride Prom, the more mainstream it gets the better it gets for us. Also, being a queer performer wherever you find drag we can also be because gay women exist everywhere and so given that element, a lot of the shows I do now are a mix of drag queens and burlesque performers and audiences love that because it’s something for everyone. The evolution has been fantastic to see. WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR THE VIXENS TO BE ALL QUEER?

When I was growing up what I didn’t have was representation. And the little bit of representation that we did have was niche and specific: gay men act like this, lesbians look like this, bisexuals are greedy; there were these heteronormative narratives that our representation fell into and I think if I had seen someone like me, a fem performer, my life would have been entirely different in a lot of positive ways.

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So for me, to have the representation — and don’t get me wrong, we love our allies — but culturally we haven’t had stuff just for us. Gay women, we haven’t had stuff for us. Our crushes had to be on straight actresses, we weren’t being given queer women celebrities and when we did it was Ellen and she’s not everyone’s type. So for me I wanted to show queer women we can be empowered, we can be sexy, we don’t have to wear cargo shorts to be gay. There are so many ways to be gay, and we can be sparkly, beautiful, sexy, we can be a gay woman and be the fantasy. We can be these fantasies that could also possibly be realities. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH GIRLS IN WONDERLAND?

I’ve been working with them eight or nine years now and they have been great. It’s interesting because you have Gay Days and Red Shirt and all of that, and that is all very gay men-centric so the women wanted something for them, and it had to start very organically because there wasn’t anything focused on women for a long time. So Pandora Events started Girls in Wonderland for the women and Les Vixens are the resident entertainment for the weekend; we perform and go-go dance at all the events, at all the pool parties and we are the eye candy, we are the atmosphere, the energy for the whole four-day event. DOES THE WHOLE TROUPE DO GIRLS IN WONDERLAND?

Yeah, for the most part. We aren’t doing burlesque shows, we are out go-go dancing, and because there are so many events every Vixen, if they are available, get to perform throughout the weekend. But it is an amazing experience, thousands of gay women in one hotel. It’s a lot [laughs] but it’s a blast. We sold out the hotel and this is going to be a great event. WHEN ARE THE LES VIXENS’ NEXT BIG EVENTS?

We are doing a Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame-themed burlesque show May 18-19. Each performance will be honoring a legend who has been inducted into the hall of fame, I will be doing Elvis. I have an epic Elvis costume. The show will be at Southern Nights Orlando and then Southern Nights in Tampa the next night. We will have performances from Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Def Leppard; it’s really gonna be a cool show.

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Fully

Committed BenDeLaCreme brings international tour to Orlando Ryan Williams-Jent

HEN BENDELACREME

bounced into season six of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2014, viewers knew she was a star. They voted her Miss Congeniality after her fifth-place finish to prove it. The performer subsequently returned four years later for season three of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” racking up more wins than any previous competitor. She was widely seen

as a frontrunner until placing sixth. That’s because in true sweet-as-pie, sharp-as-cheddar fashion, DeLa eliminated herself rather than another queen. “It was really powerful … you never feel like you’re in control because someone else is running the show,” she shared afterwards. “It was amazing to feel fully in control of my own path.”

PHOTO BY ERIC PAGUIO

CONTINUED ON PG. 41 | uu |

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| uu | Fully Committed FROM PG.39

It’s a feeling she’s cultivated through BenDeLaCreme Presents ever since. The entertainer’s production company exists to break new ground by and for drag artists. Productions have included “To Jesus, Thanks for Everything – Jinkx and DeLa,” co-created with frequent collaborator and “Drag Race” season five winner Jinkx Monsoon, and their “All I Want for Christmas is Attention.” The duo’s sold-out tours were followed by the film “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special,” which drew widespread acclaim on Hulu. Now, the global superstar has embarked on her biggest solo tour yet. Her one-queen extravaganza “BenDeLaCreme is… Ready To Be Committed” promises a hilarious and heartfelt spectacular that blends burlesque, comedy, original music and magnificent mayhem. Originally scheduled for 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic, the show “is a hilarious and heartfelt spectacular that blends burlesque, comedy and original music with her signature terminally delightful charm.” It was written, directed and produced by the star and launched its international tour April 13. The entertainer will perform at The Plaza Live in Orlando on May 21. Watermark spoke with DeLa about “Drag Race,” reconnecting with audiences around the world and more. WATERMARK: IF THERE’S SUCH A THING AS POST“RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE,” WHERE DOES BENDELECREME FIND HERSELF AS AN ARTIST AND ENTERTAINER TODAY?

BenDeLaCreme: Excited to finally head to Orlando with a solo show! I premiered this particular show back in 2019, I did a run of it in New York and in Provincetown. It was supposed to tour everywhere else at the beginning of 2020 and of course that fell apart and we had to keep delaying it. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BRING IT BACK TO THE STAGE?

Finally getting to bring this show out into the world is very exciting to me, because obviously I have been hungry to be back on

IN HER ELEMENT: BenDeLaCreme has embarked on her biggest tour yet after pandemic-related delays. PHOTO BY LIZ NICOL the road with audiences. This is a show I’m really proud of and it’s also nice when you have a little while to sit with something that you created. It’s been two and a half years and I’m still excited to look at the show and bring it out to share with people. This is a bigger tour now than it was ever going to be and we’ve gotten to book even more cities. It’s become my biggest solo tour to date and I’m just super happy to be back on the road.

kind of her quest for love. She decides she’s going to get married at the beginning of this – this is going to be her wedding and she has to scramble to do all of that in 70 minutes – so it’s really fun and kind of whacky. It’s a comedic, campy exploration of love and relationships, all told through song, comedy, puppetry and burlesque. I play 11 different characters and there’s a lot going on.

When Jinkx and I toured our holiday show before we got shut down, I knew that I had missed performing. In two years of quarantine, I produced a film, I did a lot of streaming work and kept busy with stuff online, but it was a hard couple of years. It was easy to sort of have my doubts about why I am doing all this. Getting to be back on stage in front of an audience – I wasn’t surprised by how rewarding it was, because I know that I am a live performer at heart and that’s why I’ve always done what I do – but I cannot even express the enormity of how incredible it’s felt to be back in front of an audience. It was like any doubts I was having about what I’m doing all instantly vanished.

I’ve gotten the chance to expand on some of the visual spectacle of it with the extra time, but the script hasn’t changed much. If anything, we revisited things after all of us have been through this collective trauma to see if this story really holds up – if these ideas don’t feel important anymore with what we’ve been through – and I think it does. This show is about being connected with other people, grappling with being alone and dealing with what it is to truly be intimate with someone. To commit to someone. To feel connection. It comes at it from all angles and it’s not just a show for single people or for people who are in relationships, it’s a show for everybody. After what we’ve all been through it all feels more immediate.

HAS ANYTHING SURPRISED YOU ABOUT GETTING BACK OUT THERE?

HOW DID YOU CONCEPTUALIZE THE SHOW?

I wrote it back in 2019 as my first solo show dealing with idea of romance, relationships and

HAS THE STORY CHANGED AT ALL FROM THE ORIGINAL VERSION?

HOW SO?

We’ve all had to sit so much with being isolated, maybe trapped in a small space with

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other people. We’ve had to navigate how intense it is to just be with someone, with all of the good and bad that comes with it. Or maybe we’ve been separated from people we love. There’s a lot that’s been heightened in regard to aloneness and relationships, so I think unexpectedly to me this show actually feels even more pertinent and richer. In general, we have all been more starved for connection than we have even allowed ourselves to realize. I think it’s a survival tactic where we could not allow ourselves to know. So I’m still looking forward to getting to connect with people and share myself with them every night. It’s by no means a surprise, and it sounds very trite, but it has been staggering to me how big the feeling is being back out there. YOU’RE BACK OUT THERE THROUGH BENDELACREME PRESENTS. WHAT LED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN PRODUCTION COMPANY AND WHAT IS THAT LIKE?

In the world of drag, there’s now such a thing as a drag industry and we can become a little plug and play. When you really have a clear vision of the artwork you want to put out into the world and how you want it to land in terms of the artistic content – and also how you want it marketed, where you want to bring it, how you want to staff it, all of it – it was important because I really feel passionate about every angle of that. I’ve been writing, producing and directing shows for a long

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time now, well before “Drag Race,” but officially started my own production company in 2017. I love being a queer production company making queer work by and for queer people. Of course, straight people can come too. [Laughs.] We do have a wonderful straight audience who really appreciates the work. That’s been a rewarding thing for me as drag becomes more of an industry. I think it can be easy to get absorbed into the business of it, but I love drag in all of its kind of original, flagrant, system-bucking energy and I am very much like a proud carrier of that torch. I love that if you come to see this thing you know that my hands are in every single aspect of it, from everything you use on stage to who’s working in the room to the VIP guest badge that you got when you walked in the door to preshow music to marketing you saw online. It’s all part of it and something very curated. WHAT ELSE CAN AUDIENCES EXPECT FROM THIS SHOW?

I think that if you’ve seen any of my live performances, it’s very much the next step of the canon of BenDeLaCreme’s work. If you haven’t, you probably cannot be prepared. I make work that is really borne out of a fun, campy, cabaret, variety world, so you get all of the things you expect from a drag show in terms of song and dance. There’s original music and comedy and as I said, I do puppetry and this wide range of things. But it’s also narrative. I’m taking the audience on a journey and I work hard to make sure everything is both funny and has a lot of heart and meaning. In this show people are going to meet a whole slew of bizarre characters who are going to make them laugh and think, but we’re also going to go to some unexpected places. So far it’s been really incredible seeing audiences respond to this show and I’m excited to continue that experience with them. “BenDeLaCreme is… Ready to be Committed” plays at The Plaza Live May 21 at 8 p.m., located at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. Tickets begin at $44.50. For more information about the show and BenDeLeCreme’s work, visit PlazaLiveOrlando.org and BenDeLaCreme.com.

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Pride at Hope // Orgullo en La Esperanza

“The Spongebob Musical,” May 6-15, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; CelebrationTheatreCo.com

SATURDAY, MAY 14, NOON HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER, APOPKA Join host Hope CommUnity Center in partnership with 26Health, Come Out with Pride, Contigo Fund, Descolonizarte Teatro, One Orlando Alliance and Peer Support Space for the first ever Pride celebration in Apopka. Enjoy family-focused vendors, entertainment and activities in this first-of-its-kind event as they celebrate the family culture of Apopka and beyond. For more information, go to HCC-OFFM.org.

“Beautiful The Carole King Musical,” May 13-15, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Watch Party, May 13 & 20, Savoy, Orlando. 407-898-6766; SavoyOrlando.com Saturday Matinee Classics: “Cabaret,” May 14, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org Vegan Health Festival, May 14, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. Facebook.com/ OrlandoBeardedVegan Spring Fling CookOut, May 14, The Veranda, Orlando. 407-930-2640; IslandTimeOrlando.com Throwdown with Miracle of Love, May 14, Quarter Throwdown, Orlando. 407-843-1760; MiraleOfLoveInc.org Spektrum Health White Party Fundraiser, May 14, Eve, Orlando. 888-542-8721; Spektrum.health/WhiteParty J Balvin, May 14, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, May 17-30, Loch Haven Park, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org Les Vixens’ Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Burlesque, May 18, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; LesVixens.com Orlando Otters’ Inaugural Game Day, May 21, Emery Hamilton Sports Complex, Orlando. Linktr.ee/ OrlandoOttersRFC

SOUTHERN ROCK Ivy and her Les Vixens bring the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame to the Burlesque stage at Southern Nights. Catch them at the Southern Nights in Orlando May 18 and the one in Tampa May 19. PHOTO COURTESY LES VIXEN

“BenDeLaCreme is… Ready to Be Committed,” May 21, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Spoken Word Poetry Workshop, May 14, Inclusivitea, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7212; MetroTampaBay.org

Orange County School Borad Meeting (wear Pride colors!), May 24, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando. RainbowDemocrats.org

Leather & Kink Social, May 14, City Side Lounge, Tampa. 813-350-0600; CItySideLoungeTampa.com

Axel’s Play House w/ Trinity The Tuck, May 24, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebppk.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

TAMPA BAY Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town, May 13, MidFlorida Credit Union, Tampa. 813-600-1000; Facebook.com/ MidFloridaAmp Wanda Sykes, May 13, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com QFX East Convention, May 13-15, Hilton Downtown, Tampa. 813-204-3000; QFXEvents.com

Ms. Polk Pride 2022, May 15, Polk Theatre, Lakeland. Facebook.com/PolkPrideSystem “Who’s Your Caddy?” Tournament, May 15, Topgolf, Tampa. 813-298-1811; BalanceTampaBay.org “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” May 17-22, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Come OUT St. Pete Drag Bingo, May 17, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com “An Evening with David Sanchez and Kristen Arnett,” May 18, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg. 727-755-9456; TomboloBooks.com

Watermark’s Third Thursday THURSDAY, MAY 19, 6-8 P.M. FAIRVILLA MEGASTORE, ORLANDO Watermark is at the Fairvilla Megastore for our May Third Thursday networking social. The event will feature light bites, raffle prizes and your first drink is on us. Funds raised will benefit the Zebra Coalition. This event is for 18 and up only. For more information, go to Facebook.com/WatermarkFL.

Halsey, May 19, MidFlorida Credit Union, Tampa. 813-600-1000; Facebook.com/ MidFloridaAmp Marvel Drag Show, May 19, Salty Shamrock, Apollo Beach. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com Les Vixens’ Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Burlesque, May 19, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; LesVixens.com “Stay In Shape” Opening, May 20, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-251-8529; ChadMize.com MayFest on the Riverwalk, May 21-22, Riverwalk, Tampa. 813-451-7936; YourTampaMarkets.com

SARASOTA Pride | Be Fabulous Festival, May 12-14, Various Locations, Sarasota. FabAF.org “Welcome To Our World,” May 19, Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. 941-360-7330; Ringling.org

TAMPA BAY Inclusive Career Fair WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH, TAMPA Join Metro Inclusive Health on May 18 for the organization’s latest Inclusive Career Fair, hosted in Tampa for the first time. Candidates will be able to network and meet with area organizations who support the LGBTQ community, connecting to new career opportunities and more. Participants are encouraged to bring their resume and dress to impress. Learn more and register at MetroTampaBay.org/Events/Career-Fair.

Miss St Pete Pride Pageant SUNDAY, MAY 22, 5 P.M. COASTAL CREATIVE, ST. PETERSBURG The 14th Miss St Pete Pride Pageant returns to crown its new queen ahead of the organization’s 20-year anniversary. Hosted by Kori Stevens, attendees will experience a night of entertainment, music and fierce competition honoring reigning Ms. St Pete Pride Ashlee T. Bangkx. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $75 for VIP with lounge style seating and more. Learn more and buy yours at StPetePride.org.

To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS The Tampa International Fringe Festival announced its 2022 lottery winners April 25 and finalized waitlist May 2, a mix of local and national performers. Learn more at TampaFringe.com. Dining Out for Life Tampa Bay held its 17th annual fundraiser April 27, benefiting Empath Partners in Care’s support for those living with HIV/AIDS in the region. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. St Pete Pride will name 20 grand marshals for its landmark 20th celebration this June, the nonprofit announced April 29. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Diversity Arts held its Spring Soiree April 30, crowning Sade Louis the first Miss Pride at The Village. Enigma celebrated its eight-year anniversary in St. Petersburg May 5. Equality Florida’s St. Pete Gala returned May 7, celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary and raising a record $706,926 in its fight as the state’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Read more on p. 11 and view a full gallery of photos at WatermarkOnline.com. Cocktail celebrated its one-year anniversary in St. Petersburg May 11. The Fabulous Arts Foundation’s 1st Pride | Be Fabulous Festival will be held May 14, celebrating 12 years in Sarasota. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Lutz real estate agent Kenny Braverman, Tampa activist Stephanie Leaf (May 12); Tampa Bay super volunteer Jeremy Wade Neiman, Sarasota medical specialist Dr. Sporty Damon Paul Harper (May 13); St. Petersburg school teacher Bob Tencza, Largo media publisher Jeff Youngblood (May 14); Hillsborough Kids advocate Malachi Ortiz, Tampa Bay entertainer Amanda D’Rhod, St Pete Pride board member Clifford Hobbs (May 15); Tampa Bay fitness instructor Bryan Lloyd, St. Pete ROTC leader Frank Hay, FOX 13 reporter Dan Matics, Kobe Steakhouse server Alex Quinto, Tampa artist Ric Moreir (May 16); Sarasota artist Ming “Troy” Ming, St. Pete staple Marc Calvillo, Sarasota helping hand Jennifer Chalfa, Dog-adoring Tom Singer, Political activist Bryan Farris, (May 17); Tampa Bay director Trevor Keller, Sarasota Planned Parenthood’s Jarred Wilson, Theatre lover Trevor Keller (May 18); St. Petersburg politico Tony Meredith, Tampa Bay activist Elliott Darrow (May 19); Tampa Bay bartender James Bailey, Wordier Than Thou founder and Watermark contributor Tiffany Razzano (May 20); Tampa Bay entertainer Josie Jay, St. Pete photographer Jamarcus Mosley, Tampa Bay bear Rick Grayson (May 21); University of Tampa professor Jack Crepeau, Sarasota University Club’s Peter McClain Jr., Fabulous Arts Foundation founder Shannon Fortner, Tampa Bay bartender Nikko Panagos (May 22); St. Pete photographer Tori Baird, Sunshine City Massage LMT Jordan Monroe Green (May 23); Balance Tampa Bay’s Jason Fields (May 24); United Healthcare’s Alan Phillips, Tampa Bay entertainer Holly Louya, Tampa Bay bartender Kerissa Hickey (May 25)

2 3

FAIREST PLAY: Stephanie Stuart performs as Snow White May 1 at Punky’s Bar and Grill during Wordier Than Thou’s family friendly drag show. PHOTO COURTESY WORDIER THAN THOU

FASHION: Attorneys Lindsey Sheppy (L) and Ian Gomez attend the Beth Dillinger Foundation’s 13th annual “Value Me” luncheon and fashion show May 5. PHOTO COURTESY GBY ASSOCIATES

ST PETE STRONG: (L-R) Local Paralympian Monica Sereda and her good boy Biscuits are welcomed to The White House by President Joe Biden May 4.

PHOTO COURTESY MONICA SEREDA

ART LOVE: Ron Diana (L) and John Gascot strike a pose at the LGBTQ Welcome Center April 30 before the 2022 Diversity Arts Spring Soiree. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

BANS OFF: U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (L) joins State Rep. Michele Rayner at a rally for abortion rights in St. Petersburg May 3. PHOTO

COURTESY MICHELE RAYNER

25 YEARS STRONG: Equality Florida’s St. Petersburg Steering Committee and Executive Director Nadine Smith (5 from R) celebrate 25 years of the organization’s work during the St. Pete Gala at The Mahaffey May 7. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

FOR THE YOUTH: Knights of the Krewe of Cavaliers rep Jason Fields (L) joins PFLAG Riverview President Faith Moeller at The Snap House May 1 as the organizations raise funds for an LGBTQ youth prom next month. PHOTO

COURTESY PFLAG RIVERVIEW

WALKING THE WALK: Equality Florida’s Nick Machuca joins Project Pride for its steering committee meeting May 2, taking in the recently repainted PrideWalk.

PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT PRIDE

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Embrace Families raised $200,485 with its ninth annual “Dance, Dream & Inspire” dance event held at Hard Rock Live Orlando May 7. The “Dancing with the Stars”-inspired competition paired five local celebrities with professional ballroom dancers to perform live and compete while attempting to fundraise for support programs that help youth in foster care. Dancers David Arce and Marta Lyszkowicz dedicated their performance to the LGBTQ youth in Central Florida foster care.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer appointed Eric Smith as the next Orlando Police Chief May 9. Smith is a 27-year veteran of the OPD and will serve as the city’s 40th police chief. Smith follows Chief Orlando Rolón who announced his retirement after serving 30 years with the department, with the last four as police chief.

HIRING

Equality Florida is seeking a Field Organizer in the Greater Orlando area. The Field Organizer will report directly to the Field Director and work to increase Equality Florida’s visibility and presence in the area. Responsibilities will include recruiting and training volunteers, overseeing volunteer leadership programs and running the proequality voter database during elections. This is a full-time position that includes benefits. For more information on the position and to apply, go to bit.ly/35SdgTk.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Pulse Orlando legend Cindy Barbalock (May 13); Southern Nights bartender Sara Barone, Central Florida ally and artist Christie Miga, Server Seth Bradshaw (May 14); Orlando entertainer Craig Raymo, Central Florida straight ally Alex Copeland (May 15); Central Florida standup comedian Lee Cohen (May 16); Orlando muscle bear and trainer Migael Schieder, Orlando Ballet Dancer Alberto Blanco Perez (May 17); Central Florida photographer Julie Milford Textor, Central Florida drag performer Kai’ja Taylor Adonis, former Watermark intern Abigail Ruth Mercer (May 18); Senior pastor at Joy MCC Terri Steed Pierce, Central Florida ally Marianella Falbo (May 19); State House Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, Rep. Smith’s former legislative aide Ida V. Eskamani, Orlando Immunology Center medical director Edwin DeJesus, Yow Dance owner Eric Yow, Olde Town Brokers realtor Brett Winters (May 20); 26Health Services’ David Baker-Hargrove, Orlando real estate agent Wes Miller, Vice-chair of the Human Rights Campaign board of directors John Ruffier, proud mommy Tanya Blasingame (May 21); Hunks Orlando Promoter Jeffrey Torres, Orlando artist Cake Marques, Nurse and spiritualist Bradley Gerik, Manager at Kings Dining & Entertainment Orlando Brittany Gayle, Central Florida photographer Tabitha Whidby (May 22); Orlando Realtor Alex Zweydoff, The Dru Project’s Sara Grossman, Ted Maines Interiors owner Ted Maines (May 23); Lowe and Behold owner Randy Lowe, Hammered Lamb resident Angie Rash (May 24).

SUPPORTIVE DINING: Watermark’s Orlando staff participate in Dining Out For Life at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando April 28. PHOTO BY KYLER MILLS

RUGBY TAKEOVER: The Orlando Otters RFC take over District Dive in Orlando for a fundraising event May 1. Catch the team’s inaugural rugby game against the Charlotte Royals May 21. PHOTO FROM ORLANDO OTTERS FACEBOOK

HOPE IN MAY: (L-R) Andrea Montanez, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet and Sister Ann Kendrick celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka May 5.

PHOTO FROM ELIZABETH SWART’S FACEBOOK

SOCCER GOALS: Heather Wilkie (L) and Josh Bell grab a selfie with the Orlando Pride soccer field during a match attended by LGBTQ nonprofit leaders at Exploria Stadium in Orlando May 1.

FOREST RANGERS: Peer Support Space’s (L-R) Dandelion Hill, Yasmin Flasterstein and Andres Acosta Ardilla take a trip to El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico May 1.

FIELD TRIP: Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn (L) and Alan Bracamonte check out an agave field in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico May 9. PHOTO FROM BRANDON

PHOTO FROM ANDRES ACOSTA ARDILLA’S FACEBOOK

JEDI MASTER: Keri Griffin, Orlando VA’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Program Coordinator, sports a colorful “Star Wars” tee to honor May the 4th Be With You in Orlando May 4. PHOTO FORM KERI

PHOTO FROM JOSH BELL’S FACEBOOK

MAKE EM LAUGH: Comic Lee Cohen takes the stage at Fat Fish Blue in Orlando May 2. PHOTO FROM

SARETH NEY’S FACEBOOK

BRACALE-LLEWELLYN’S FACEBOOK

GRIFFIN’S FACEBOOK

8 watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

T A M P A

B A Y

M A R K E T P L A C E

ACCOUNTING

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

C E N T R A L

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

WEDDING BELLS

Dominic and Mike Costelli from St. Petersburg, Florida

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

Dec. 31, 2021

WEDDING

Date: April 8, 2022

WEDDING VENUE: Maximo Park, St. Petersburg

WEDDING SONG:

“Always Be Loving You” by My Brothers and I

FLORIST:

Personal ﬂowers from Cami Burgess, a friend

OFFICIANT:

Michael Ealy

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamarcus Mosley

WEDDING COLORS:

White, Silver, Black and Gold

PHOTOS BY JAMARCUS MOSLEY

Tiffany Razzano

HEN DOMINIC AND MIKE COSTELLI

first met, they were both in other relationships and unaware that they had crossed paths with their future husband.

They were each part of a throuple at the time, and “our throuples happened to be friends,” Dominic said. “They introduced Mike and I.” Sparks didn’t initially fly, though. They sometimes hung out with their group of friends and followed each other on social media. They rarely exchanged more than a “hi” and “how are you doing,” Mike adds. Eventually, both of their relationships had ended. One day, Mike happened to share a picture on social media. After Dominic hit the “like” button on the photo, Mike messaged him, “See something you like?” The duo hung out that day and never looked back, quickly

making their relationship official by July 4, 2021. “We have so much in common and didn’t have the chance to talk when we were in relationships,” Mike says. “Somebody would always get jealous. It was stupid to not just say, ‘Hey you. Want to start dating?’” Dominic says that he was drawn to Mike’s big personality. “He’s a very outgoing person and very blunt most of the time,” Dominic explains. “I could see that he had this big ol’ heart and wanted someone to understand him.” Mike adds, “Dom’s the same way. He just wasn’t being taken care of properly.”

They were both on the same page about their relationship from the beginning. “He and I are a lot similar,” Mike says. “We both always wanted to have that one person. I told him I had to kiss a lot of frogs to finally get my prince.” The St. Petersburg couple got engaged on Dec. 31, 2021. With a degree in metal fabrication, Mike had three sets of personalized rings made for them. They’re both avid video gamer players and so the boxes the rings came in were inscribed with “Player 1 ready. Player 2 press start.” As they were leaving for their New Year’s Eve plans in an Uber ride, he switched out a ring Dominic wore with one of the new rings. When Dominic realized what the ring meant, he started crying. “I had a feeling it was coming. I just didn’t know when,” he recalls. “It just kind of shocked me.” Originally, the couple planned to get married in early 2023. Then, they thought they might get married

on July 4 of this year on their anniversary. But as Dominic’s family planned a visit to the Tampa Bay area this spring, they decided to move up the date for their wedding so they could attend. “We went from a year of planning to four months of planning to a month,” he says. His family visited from April 5-10, so they got married April 8 in a small wedding at St. Petersburg’s Maximo Park. “We always knew we didn’t want anything big,” Dominic notes. Mike adds, “Just something laidback and casual.” The day was extra special because Dominic’s family was there. It was the first time Mike met his husband’s loved ones, including his mother, though they’d spoken via Facetime before. “She fell in love with him instantly,” Dominic says. “I’m no longer the favorite.”

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

FLORIDA'S MOST HONORED COMMUNITY THEATRE

On The MainStage Grease July 14 – 31, 2022 Co-Produced by: The Dr. Robert Cassell Family; George & Kelly Butz; Brad Dantzler - Raymond James & Associates

BOX OFFICE: 863-294-7469 ext.1 www.TheatrWinterHaven.com 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, WInter Haven, FL

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

MAY 12 - 25 , 202 2 // ISSUE 29.10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

NOW AND ALWAYS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR

dedication.

As we celebrate National Emergency

k Medical Services Week, we want to thank the EMS practitioners in our community.

ion Your care, your compassion, your devotion means the difference in lifesaving

circumstances. We’re honored to work

alongside you—bringing critical care to

those in need, when they need it most.

May 15-21, 2022 National Emergency Medical Services Week

be seen.

choose well.

Ten award-winning hospitals. More than 100 medical specialties. 14 ERs. 4200 expert physicians. So many reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com